Tamala & Carrarang Stations

Introduction

These pastoral stations in the southern part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area form part of the limestone dominated landscape between Steep Point and Kalbarri. The main attraction of these properties is the low lying eastern coastline and adjacent waters of Henri Freycinet Harbour.

Visitor access to these properties is limited and takes a back seat to the running of the pastoral businesses. Many tourists only cross these properties on their way to Steep Point however small numbers of people spend time here camping, fishing and exploring the prongs and peninsulas.

Access

Tamala Station allows access to the general public. If you wish to visit Tamala you must first obtain permission from the station managers. Numerous locked gates control access and keys are issued once you’ve made your booking. Station staff can inform you of camping options - most sites are near beaches and provide access to the water for small boats. For details regarding access and camping on Tamala, visit www.tamala.com.

Access is via the Steep Point / Useless Loop Road, a well formed gravel road that links Useless Loop with the main Shark Bay Road. At Tamala Station there are a number of prearranged camping areas which are mostly accessible by 4WD (only limited sites have 2WD access).

Facilities

To visit Tamala Station you will need to be self sufficient as there are minimal facilities. Ensure you have enough water, fuel and food to last your stay. Basic toilets are available at some sites. Pets are allowed with prior permission only. See the full list of conditions of entry below. For information and bookings visit the Tamala website here.

Activities and highlights

Camping

A number of sites are available on Tamala but must be arranged before you visit. Generally these sites are close to the water but have little protection from strong winds because of the low vegetation. Remember to take all rubbish out with you as no bins are provided. For info on camping fees, how to book and rules and regulations visit the Tamala website here.

Fishing, boating and kayaking

With easy access to the shallow and protected waters of Henri Freycinet Harbour, the coastline of these stations is becoming popular for people with boats and kayaks. You can visit the small island nature reserves in the bay on day trips but please don’t light fires, disturb the bird life or bring pets to these islands. See our fishing and boating pages for more information about marine zones and the special fishing regulations in place to protect snapper stocks.

Keen kayakers with a sense of adventure can paddle for days amongst the many bays and islands in this part of Shark Bay. Organising a trip can be involved, but is well worth the effort. Contact the Parks and Wildlife office in Denham for more details and to obtain guidelines for kayaking in the area.

Zuytdorp Cliffs and the Zuytdorp Shipwreck

The spectacular Zuytdorp Cliffs extend along the most western edge of Tamala and Carrarang Stations all the way to Kalbarri. Although these cliffs reach their greatest height on Tamala Station (244m at Womarangee Hill) public access is only available via Steep Point.

The Zuytdorp was a Dutch sailing vessel that came to grief along the limestone cliffs in the far southern area of Shark Bay. The wreck site is along one of Australia’s most remote and inaccessible stretches of coastline and whilst access is restricted, amazing artefacts from the ship are on display at the Geraldton Museum.

What happened to the survivors of this ship? You can read the intriguing story here.

Help Protect Tamala and Carrarang Stations

Pastoral properties rely on your help to keep them as they are. Follow these guidelines when visiting:

Leave all gates as you find them

Please don’t disturb stock or interfere with watering points and station equipment

Driving in the bush destroys vegetation and animals’ homes. Respect efforts to rehabilitate disused tracks and degraded sites that have been closed by keeping to the main tracks only

All motor bikes, including quad bikes, are not permitted

Reducing tyre pressure will help avoid getting bogged and help maintain the condition of tracks

Camp only in designated areas

Take all of your rubbish with you

Fish offal should be disposed of in the bay, away from the shore

The use of portable toilets is encouraged and waste should be removed from the stations and disposed of appropriately. Where toilets are not provided, bury waste at least 300mm deep at least 100m from camping areas or water

Pets are allowed with permission only

Firewood must be brought in with you and not taken from the local environment. A ‘no fire’ policy may be introduced if the current rate of degradation continues

Firearms are not permitted

No chainsaws allowed.

Fees

There are camping fees for Tamala Station that must be paid to the station manager. This money goes towards maintaining the station for future visitors.